FISH | Financial Independence Seeking Happiness

Downshifting - Are you mad ??**!!

Contender 0 downshifting, financial independence, Happiness 14:46

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to Think</td></tr>
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GET.A.LIFE: "I hear THE.CONTENDER is considering getting out of the game. What is he doing? Lack of status, no new shiny toys. You would not see me doing that - frankly nuts!"   
PUT.IT.IN.PERSPECTIVE: "Sounds interesting doesn't it? I have never really considered down shifting myself. I wonder what it would be like. Would I like it? Could I manage without my high salary? How could I possibly be financially independent from my job?"
 
 
GET.A.LIFE: "From what you have just said  my mind boggles. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. I have put so much into my career and lifestyle I would be mad to give it up." 
 
Our Tribe is well into its down shifting plans. We have addressed a lot of challenges but still many remain. We constantly go through all of the pros and cons of our plans. What if something happens to our forecast income once we have resigned jobs and downshifted and end up with much less each month? What if we cannot find the right place to live? Why don't we wait a while and stay where we are without changing anything? How long for? It is so easy to fall into having negative thoughts about changing. We needed other opinions and points of view. 
 
We have sought guidance by sharing, discussing and listening to our friends and families. We have listened to concerns and received encouragement. 
 
We certainly don't have all the answers and never will (life would be so boring:). We don't know what THE.FUTURE holds for us but we welcome <strike>him</strike> it with open arms. Will we run into trouble at some point? Most likely. We have to accept these bumps in the road and move on, learning from the experiences that life throws at us. 
 
We are aware out path is one of thousands of directions people can make. There is no right and wrong. Only THE.FUTURE ahead for all of us. Every day people make billions of little decisions around the planet which ones will affect us - we haven't go a clue. 
 
To answer one challenge down shifting is not about running away from responsibilities. We are not rebels shunning the system. We see it as a way to develop our full potential. 
 
We will have time to work on our personal development, help the kids flourish, participate in community activities. It would be nice to think, if we are seen as useful citizens, that we can offer some part of us to help a few people in THE.FUTURE. 
 
With all that in mind here are some observations on the impacts of our down shifting decision. In particular a look at the implications on social interactions, living arrangements and a change in mindset: 
 
Socially 
 
Being surrounded by friends and colleagues who all work hard to make ends meet can be difficult when talking about downshifting. In our circles we have seen a lot of people where income is there to be spent as a pension plan is in place for THE.FUTURE. It is probably better to not discuss down shifting in some cases... 
 
We are downshifting 
 
The trappings of modern life can be easy to be taken for granted. All available income is spent on items such as a newspaper with a cafe latte and pain au chocolat in a nice comfortable (and usually expensive) café. Jumping in the car to do the food shopping instead of walking. The deserved luxury holiday half way around the world compared to a beach you can actually find much closer to home. 
 
What about the down shifter? Do they spend all their money - no. Do they save and invest - most likely. Do they like showing off status - unlikely. So the contrast between the down shifter and the wage slave is quite wide. You are not seen partaking in all of the trappings of modern life. This throws up several social challenges. 
 
What if you come out of the closet and state your intention to downshift. What would your work college think - "geez this guy has just sent his career down the swanny talking about downshifting". Not considering the fact that as you are down shifting the career can go down the swanny for all you care?   
 
You want to down shift, you are your own master, you are not beholden to your career. You are just approaching work from a different angle. We would like to continue to practice our professions but for only 2-3 days a week and only half the year at that!  
 
What about outside of work? "This family is different, they don't spend much money, they don't have many expensive activities, they aren't part of the club any more". Not to be disingenuous no one has actually said this to us. We have sensed some of these concerns though from some people when they have offered their opinions ("let me give you some unsollicitod advice"). Some "advice" explaining the pitfalls of our decision have been gratefully received and have helped challenge (or fortify) some of our thinking. A few positive individuals have been cheering us on which is appreciated. 
 
We are planning to down shift but are not telling anyone...yet 
 
From a work perspective are managers evaluating people in the following way: Is he ambitious? Does he deserve a pay rise? Does he fit in here? In THE.CONTENDERS opinion this is highly likely so the other route is not to even talk about your plans for the future in work.  
 
You are in work, don't talk about your personal life and keep everything professional! 
 
Sometimes keeping quiet really is the best course of action. If you really want to talk about your plans perhaps an online forum is a better and anonymous place.

Downshifting - Are you mad ??**!!

Time to Think GET.A .LIFE : "I hear THE.CONTENDER is considering getting out of the game . What is he doing? Lack of status, no n...

Downshifting One Year On

Contender 2 Budget, downshifting, early-retirement, financial independence, Happiness, health, Mid Life Crisis, Writing 20:34

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Downshifting - Walking on thin ice in the park and life?</td></tr>
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THE.PAST: "CONTENDER why are you boxing so infrequently and why stop for a couple of years in your prime? What about the perks, the stature of it all? 
 
CONTENDER: "I want to spend some time with the children while they are young, life is no longer chasing the next fight to prove my credentials. I need some time out to look after the family, reflect, relax and keep in shape. 
 
THE.FUTURE: "I'm here! I'm here you yellow bellied son of a *****!" 
 
THE.CONTENDER follows the blog A Good Day To Live and his latest post <a href="http://gooddaytolive.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/downshifters-in-australia-interesting-case-study/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to Downshifters in Australia – Interesting Case Study">Downshifters in Australia – Interesting Case Study</a> has inspired him to have a look at his own downshifting in the last year and all of the joys and calamities along the way. What did THE.CONTENDER learn and could these new skills benefit work in the future. All is revealed below: 
 
For newcomers to the blog try here is a post on our Financial Independence journey - <a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/round-5-15-secs-muff-family-financial.html">Family Financial Freedom in 7 Years!</a> and benefits and budgeting to downshift - <a href="http://www.getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/father-muff-financial-frugality-case.html">Daddy CONTENDER a Financial Frugality Case Study of Bringing Up Baby</a> 
 
THE CONTENDER is a 36 year old professional dad of 2 children (1 and 4 years old) having downshifted from the corporate world one year ago. This was not because of ill health or any major dislike for the job (there are always going to be some gripes) but because our well laid plans to move to France and exorbitant cost of childcare where we live and which are covered here on this blog. 
 
After working solidly for 13 years and having a strict savings routine for the past 7 years it was time to become very frugal. Could we as a family be better off financially and happier with THE.CONTENDER at home taking over the childcare duties at the end of Mrs CONTENDER's maternity leave? So what has happened in the last year, has downshifting worked for us? 
 
Downshifting the tribe 
 
THE.CONTENDER had at least taken an active role in the upbringing of our eldest child making sure he was around at evenings and weekends while Mrs CONTENDER was on a full year of maternity leave. 
 
When Mrs CONTENDER had to go back to work our child started full time nursery. She did the morning drop off and the contender rushed home before the creche closing time at 6 pm. 
 
With the arrival of the second putting both in nursery was too expensive. We decided to downshift. THE.CONTENDER stepped out of the ring to become the children's full time carer whilst Mrs contender went back to work. 
 
Looking after the Kids 
 
With the perhaps limited experience of looking after the eldest, now both were  the contenders responsibility. A corporate conditioned bloke now full time carer for two young children. What is all that about! Could he hack it? 
 
To ease the transition we had a couple of plans in place. THE.CONTENDER took parental leave so if it was not going well at least the old job was there. Alternatives were a new higher paying job or part time. We had lists of nannies, child minders and nurseries should we need them. 
 
The first few months went smoothly, it was heading into spring, the 6-month old baby slept and rolled around. Our eldest still had a couple of days a week in creche. So good, so far, right? THE.CONTENDER on the other hand was wiped out with.... 
 
Work Withdrawal Syndrome! 
 

No more hour long commute to work in the morning in the car on the motorway through lots of traffic. 
No more predefined routine 
No more boring business conversations 
No more work stress 
No more kissing a*** 
 
THE.CONTENDER knew it it would be coming and it happened - he became sick. A cold and chest infection that lasted for two months. Sometimes he got a cold whilst on holidays after hard stressful work, so this was nothing new. Work withdrawal syndrome - his body was expelling the stress of work and detoxifying his body. 
 
THE.FUTURE: "Got ya! You can't survive without the buzz of the ring" 
 
With the concerns on workload, appraisals and not letting anyone down were lifted from the shoulders he could relax. Actually do something he wanted to do in a weekday afternoon with the little angels in bed for their nap. Result! 
 
After a couple of months we were in spring. THE.CONTENDERS office was now a park instead of a cubicle. Meetings were in the playground instead of a corporate, white, bland boardroom. AND continuous exercise for all! 
 
The need to have a snack or a coffee was gone. Food for the family is now my responsibility to take time to make. It needs to be healthy for the kids - time to get out the kiddie recipe book and beat some eggs with one kid bouncing on my knee with the other wondering what the plug socket is. 
 
Did THE CONTENDER miss <strike>the ring </strike>work? Of course he did (a bit) in those early months. How could he keep the brain ticking over? All those years of hard work and education. Must use it! A strong psychological war was raging in his mind.   
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE.FUTURE: "CONTENDER! what a waste, what are you doing, what about financial security, shiny status symbols? You will loose all of your friends!"</div>
 
So what did THE.CONTENDER experience and learn from with the kids during the year? - please read on:

Downshifting One Year On

Enjoying Downshifting - Walking on thin ice in the park and life? THE.PAST : "CONTENDER why are you boxing so infrequently and why ...

Frugality+Budgeting+Investing+Planning+ Hard Work=Financial Independence

Contender 2 book, Early Retirement, financial independence, frugality 14:46

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice shiny stuff - usually very expensive....</td></tr>
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<h2>
Exposing the ways of the financially Independent Wealthy </h2>
SPEND.A.LOT: "I'm off shopping it's Saturday after my pay check. I've worked hard this month and deserve a new pair of shiny flashing light beep beep sneakers" 
THE.CONTENDER: "Aren't the beep beep sneakers way expensive? Can you buy them out of your pay check after paying all the bills?" 
 
SPEND.A.LOT "Well I just received this card through the post it has $2,000 of credit to spend now on it and no payments for 6 whole months - result! I want a new car as well there is a nice sports car in the local dealership with 10%. We can use the other car for the kids and I get to look the business" 
 
Card issuer (AKA THE.FUTURE) - what a sucker! They never read the small print, interest rate of 2000% he will be my little slave before he knows it. 
 
THE.CONTENDER: Would you hold off your purchases a minute, mate? I would like you to read a little book before you buy the sneakers and new car. It is called "The Millionaire Next Door" 
 
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millionaire Next Door on Amazon</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
 </div>
"The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas Stanley and William Danko  exposes the truth that great defense (that is "controlled spending on necessities" compared to consumerism is the road to wealth. 1 Million + copies sold in the US alone speak for itself. This post has: 
<ol>
<li>A short review of the book </li>
<li>THE.CONTENDER concerns for the kids</li>
<li>A look at putting some of the recommendations of the book into practice</li>
</ol>
 
"The Millionaire Next Door" written in 1996 investigates the lives of the wealthy. Their spending habits and investing traits versus high income low net worth individuals. Again the same result as the one THE.CONTENDER believes in: 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frugality + Budgeting + Investing + Planning + Hard Work </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
= Financial Independence</div>
 
The Book 
  
Simple enough isn't it? What was more fascinating about the book for daddy CONTENDER is the impact of your own consumption and traits rub off on the kids. In the book some very concerning points are made. 
 
Spendthrift high income families generally: 
<ol>
<li>Care about status and keeping up with the Jones</li>
<li>Spend a lot on expensive consumer goods (Cars, boats, clothes, blenders, cappucino makers and the like)</li>
<li>Do not have a household annual budget </li>
<li>Do not dedicate enough time to financial planning and investing</li>
<li>Some rely on sustaining their lifestyle on "gifts" from rich parents.</li>
</ol>
Compare this to millionaires 
<ol>
<li>They save at least 15% of their income</li>
<li>Their income is a very small part of their total wealth</li>
<li>A significant amount own their own business, leverage their contacts to get good deals and business passed onto them.</li>
<li>Are humble in front of their employes and neighbors showing no signs of their real wealth</li>
<li>The are fully satisfied with their humble living and have no intention to change and turn into a consumer. They have clearly defined life goals.</li>
</ol>
It is a fascinating look into the lives of the wealthy with loads of case studies. What is even better is that as it has sold over a million copies, you can pick up a second hand copy for a very modest price so I cannot recommend the book highly enough. 
 
Please read on for the  impact on the kids, FI state of mind what would the Millionaire Next Door ask himself?

Frugality+Budgeting+Investing+Planning+ Hard Work=Financial Independence

Nice shiny stuff - usually very expensive.... Exposing the ways of the financially Independent Wealthy SPEND.A.LOT: "I'm off ...

Facinating Real World People

Contender 0 Black Swan, Conformity, Education, Financial Armageddon, financial independence 08:27

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THE.FUTURE: "So you think you have what it takes to survive what I have in store for you?  
 
THE.CONTENDER: "You are so full of it. I have a whole bunch of advisers that have you in their sights. They are free thinking and certainly not controlled by you!" 
 
This post is short and sweet. Below are some videos of some very interesting REAL WORLD outspoken people THE.CONTENDER keeps tags on. Covering future trends, investing, ecology, philsophy, fiat money and financial independence. A smart interesting bunch of free thinkers. Have a look at any of the videos that take your interest. 
 
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Celente" target="_blank">Gerald Celente </a>- Trend Forecasting Master Jedi 
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Keiser" target="_blank">Max Kaiser </a>- Maverick Ex Trader who Is not afraid to Speak his Mind here talking to the Dollar Vigilante 
 
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nassim_Nicholas_Taleb" target="_blank">Nassim Nicholas Taleb</a> - Black Swans and Anti-fragility 
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Facinating Real World People

THE.FUTURE : "So you think you have what it takes to survive what I have in store for you? THE.CONTENDER : "You are so full ...

Infographic | Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I

Contender 0 Budget, Education, Finance, financial independence, Infographic, Investing, Planning, Saving 09:50

Infographic | Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I

Achieve Very Early Financial Independence - Part I | Create infographics <<< Click here for a spreadsheet planning tool th...

THE FUTURE

Contender 2 Blog, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, PERL 09:05

THE FUTURE

One Vision of THE.FUTURE ( Eden Project Cornwall UK ) THE.FUTURE "Contender I'm out to get ya! Yeh I'm watching you, I...

THE PRESENT

Contender 0 Blog, financial independence, frugality, Life 08:07

THE PRESENT

January in London? - So Pretty under Snow THE.PRESENT: "Come on Contender have some fun, get yourself one of those gadgets, go on ...

THE PAST

Contender 0 Black Swan, Blog, Dividends, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Investing 20:12

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Romieu Gers France</td></tr>
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THE.PAST: "Well you did not see that coming did ya man!" 
THE.CONTENDER: "We planned enough of it mate!" 
 
This is the first of 3 posts, a look at THE.PAST, the year that was 2012.  
<ol>
<li>THE.CONTENDER Tribe 2012 road to Financial Independence and this year's highlights. </li>
<li>What happened in the financial world and the impact on the THE.CONTENDER investment portfolio.</li>
<li>What we learnt as a family over the year. What did you learn about yourself?</li>
</ol>
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE.PAST</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” George Santayana </blockquote>
Tribe road to financial Freedom and France in 2012 
<ol>
<li>Mr C takes over the parental duties while Mrs C goes back to work </li>
<li>Our eldest child left creche and started nursery school </li>
<li>Spending was cut dramatically with no impact to our standard of living, as described in <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/father-muff-financial-frugality-case.html">Father C a Financial Frugality Case Study of Bringing up Baby</a></li>
<li>Standard of living actually increased as we had one adult at home, which is positive for the children and less stressful for the parents (no more rushing around to pick up kids, having to book days off when they are sick and finding child care solutions)</li>
<li>Both children have grown up immensely this year and are showing real progress - the eldest with reading and writing (just turned 4) and the youngest is a real little person now she is mobile. </li>
<li>Saving exceeded expectations but investments were flat (see below)</li>
<li>Investment knowledge has increased see <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/round-5-156s-investment-challenges.html">Investment Challenges</a> and <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/risk-versus-reward-round-5-2m-59s.html">Risk Versus Reward </a>and <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/financial-independence-planner-stock.html">Financial Independence Planner & Stock Screener</a></li>
<li>The Tribe has improved its knowledge and use of alternative health practices, see <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/keeping-muff-healthy-round-6-1m-37s.html">Keeping the Tribe healthy</a> </li>
<li>Wonderful holiday in the south of France researching where to live (photo above from the Gers region of France).</li>
<li>Started this blog! see <a href="http://getintheringwithme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/10-blogging-mistakes-muff-styleee.html">10 blogging mistakes - CONTENDER styleee!</a></li>
</ol>
Financial Impact of 2012 
 
First for all those Boggle heads out there our investments came out at a slightly positive 1.5% gain compared to an approximate 7% gain for the US market. 
 
We did exceed our savings plan but took a hit when Mr C left work and hence lost his share options. 
 
Overall this is disappointing but there is always a silver lining! First let's have a look at what happened across the world and why the THE.CONTENDER investment portfolio turned out flat. 
 
By World Region 
 
UK: Austerity is doing its job, shame about the un-realistic growth figures (as usual) along came the double dip recession. Odd thing is that the "austerity" still means that the national debt is increasing year on year...... Nothing to see here, move on, all is well! (quick, appoint another ex Goldman Sachs employee as the Governor of the Bank of England as Merv has stopped printing to cover up the mess that the UK finances are in). 
 
Olympics - good job and pulled the UK out of recession due to the ticket sales alone..... Record haul of medals and Sir Bradley Wiggins won Gold following on from his Tour de France success.  And UK sports personality of the year to boot. GO WIGGO! 
 
Rain - funny that and in the UK of all places - IT HASN'T STOPPED!!! Why invest in wind power we need hydro dams! 
 
Tribe Investments 
<ul>
<li>Stocks generally positive for the year. Income stocks did OK (oil and gas, utilities, telecoms and pharmaceuticals)</li>
<li>Funds generally negative due to exposure to precious metal miners which have had a second poor year of performance in a row compared to the underlying metals which were both positive for the year. </li>
</ul>

THE PAST

La Romieu Gers France THE.PAST: "Well you did not see that coming did ya man!" THE.CONTENDER : "We planned enough of it...

Some of the best FI / ERE Posts of 2012?

Contender 1 Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence 08:20

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Hi fight fans, nearly the end of the year already! Where did it all go. Who were the winners in the game of life?   
THE FUTURE is still lurking there ready to take THE.CONTENDER to the cleaners when he gets the chance. What is THE.CONTENDER to do? Keep on LEARNING.  
 
Below are some of the favorite posts THE.CONTENDER has read this year and a brief summary of what they were about, and what can be learnt from them. 
 
January Freeze - too cold for brass monkeys. New Year Resolutions for the rest of the year anyone? (<strike>P.S. </strike><strike>CONTENDER remember last years and don't kid yourself;o</strike>) 
 
jlcollinsnh<a href="http://jlcollinsnh.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/index-funds/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to The bashing of Index Funds, Jack Bogle and a Jedi dog trick"> - The bashing of Index Funds, Jack Bogle and a Jedi dog trick</a> 
What: Why cheap index funds such as Vanguard are a great way to invest and why the financial media and investment houses hate them* 
Early Retirement Angle: Cut out the investment fees to retire early 
 
February Blues - bills bills bills Christmas overspend? 
 
Brave New Life - <a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/02/how-to-get-your-significant-to-embrace-a-brave-new-life/" rel="bookmark" title="How To Get Your Significant Other To Embrace a Brave New Life">How To Get Your Significant Other To Embrace a Brave New Life</a> 
What: Change of direction, stop wasting money and being a good little consumer? What about the rest of the family? 
Early Retirement Angle: Taking people with you all working towards a common goal of early retirement is a change in mindset. The consumerist live for today lifestyle needs to countered with save to day to enjoy tomorrow financially free. 
 
March Madness - It is getting lighter in the evenings and the world is a better place 
 
Brave New Life - <a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/03/core-principle-6-this-is-water/" target="_blank">Core Principle 6 This Is Water</a> 
What: David Foster Wallace inspiration talk on life - what is it all for / have some perspective on life? 
Early Retirement Angle: Consider the big picture in life who are you and think carefully about the world 
 
Brave New Life -<a href="http://www.bravenewlife.com/03/10-reasons-not-to-retire-early-uh-oh/" rel="bookmark" title="10 Reasons Not To Retire Early? Uh-Oh!">10 Reasons Not To Retire Early? Uh-Oh!</a> 
What: Nice post on the financial media's excuses \ procrastination against early retirement. 
Early Retirement Angle Grinder: Doubts, herd mentality, media - think clearly set your own goals and try to shut out all of the negativity that is out there about "retirement" and "frugality".

Some of the best FI / ERE Posts of 2012?

Hi fight fans, nearly the end of the year already! Where did it all go. Who were the winners in the game of life? THE FUTURE is still ...

Get Real

Contender 0 Compound Interest, Early Retirement, financial freedom, financial independence, Gold, Investing, Oil, Schiller PE10, Silver, Wheat 14:40

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Stuff (munkee.com)</td></tr>
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 PLAN.AHEAD: "Where have you been CONTENDER we need to get on with your training?" 
 THE.CONTENDER: "THE FUTURE caught our little tribe out with the evil flu but we are back in the game now" 
PLAN.AHEAD: "Right C your NEW training program is called LEARN.SOMETHING.USEFUL" 
THE.CONTENDER: "Is it going to help me defeat THE FUTURE?" 
PLAN.AHEAD: "Now don't get carried away. One step at a time. I have so many things you need to learn. What I need from you is Focus, Listen and Actually Understand, Take your time and let it all sink in" 
THE.CONTENDER: "Yes master tell me tell me I want to know the secrets of the FINANCIAL.INDEPENDENCE.SHIELD and the HAPPINESS.PUNCH (hopefully it is alcoholic ;) 
 
In this post a thesis that the next 30 years are going to be very different than the last 30 years (à la <a href="http://www.peakprosperity.com/" target="_blank">Chris Martinson</a>). In particular considering investing in REAL NECESSITIES instead of passive INDEX investing. 
 
Next post will provide a new stock screening tool that analyses up to 3000 stocks at a time AND an update to CERP - financial planning tool to incorporate an individual stock analysis dashboard as well as a 10x boost to the speed of the tool! 
 
 
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 <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;" valign="MIDDLE">Stock analysis of debt, dividend sustainability and the dividend discount model for intrinsic value evaluation</td>
 <td align="LEFT" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;" valign="MIDDLE">Stock screener for company quality and return on capital</td>
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Return of Capital 
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It not the return on capital but the return of capital" - Jim Rodgers 
 
 "The first rule of investing has always been don't lose money!" - Warren Buffet</blockquote>
 
For those seeking very early financial independence we need to to grow money faster than inflation and build up a passive income. 
 
In order to do this THE.CONTENDER has looked to first understand what is money and investing (after making a few mistakes) before taking the plunge into the stock market. 
 
Ever since our Tribe started to invest in precious metals in 2005 (a very small amount after talking to an investment banker at a party and being inspired by his outlook on investment) we have been interested in what is money? Why is it valuable? Why does it lose its value over time? 
 
We want our savings to AT LEAST buy comparative goods in the future. $10 for a bag of potatoes today + bank account interest should cost $10 in five years time. 
 
If we are growing our money what is the REAL return after inflation? 
 
10 years ago you could get a loaf of bread for 0.5 monetary units,  now it costs 1.5 monetary units in only 10 years! Supposedly technology has improved so the cost of my loaf of bread should be coming down right??!!!: 
<ol>
<li>Transport is more efficient (we mix truck loads to get max fill / weight ratios with complex computer programs and collaboration across multiple companies)  </li>
<li>Energy is captured and recycled in the baking process  </li>
<li>Agriculture productivity is up - better machines, fertilizers and weather prediction systems....  </li>
<li>Waste is down due to efficient inventory management and improved sales forecasting.  </li>
<li>Competition is rife and profit margins are being reduced  </li>
<li>The USA is going to be energy independent and oil and gas prices are going to plummet!</li>
</ol>
Why Why Why has the cost of my loaf of bread trebled after all of these cost saving improvements? Why is THE.CONTENDER paying so much more for the basics of life compared to 10 years ago. Inflation has been reported as very low.....????

Get Real

Real Stuff (munkee.com) PLAN.AHEAD: "Where have you been CONTENDER we need to get on with your training?" THE.CONTENDER: ...

Welcome to FISH !
You have come here looking for answers. How to get out of debt? How to save and invest? How to retire early and how you want to live in retirement.

Well this is the right place for you as out tribe has been through all of these steps. We no longer work for a corporate employer and have saved enough to retire early. How we did this is shared here on this site for you.

Our little tribe found out these secrets to financial independence in our late 20’s. Since then we have taken early retirement, in our late 30's, in just 7 years. We now live in the South West of France with our two young children.

Along the way I decided to share everything I learnt. My articles and tips on aggressive saving and compound investing are there to help you meet your financial goals fast. I discuss ways to help you decide what you want by building a life plan. This helps to work out how to get where you want to be whilst avoiding the pitfalls along the way.

My expertise was built up working in blue chip corporate jobs, extensive reading and putting it into practice. I have condensed this knowledge into simple strategies to help you meet your goals and not those of the bank or the place you work.

There are free planning tools on this site that help you make a life plan. A plan for your future. The tools calculate how to reach your financial goals in a timeline that suits you. The tools help set out your life goals, make them happen and how to exceed them.

There are tips on how to simplifying your life to remove day to day headaches. These include ways to pay off debt fast buy eliminating wasteful spending habits. How to reduce your monthly bills through choices that actually improve your health and wellbeing. Identifying things you don’t need that sap your time and wallet.

There are little sustainability projects to reduce your dependence on shops and utilities whilst saving money to spend on things you want.

All of these little steps will show you how save 50%+ of your salary so you can meet your goal whatever it is. This huge saving rate can be compounded for very early retirement. I am sure you will find something here for you.

Darren Lee (A.K.A the Contender as in my blog)